Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A new approach

Let me preface this post by saying that I know the Lord has a specific and perfect plan for my life.  The last thing I want to do is sound hypocritical as a Christian.  I have had a few people tell me that maybe my own strong desire for a child isn't what the Lord has planned for me, and that maybe I should try and move on.  As a Christian, I am very aware that holding on to my own desires and trying to "control" them isn't going to make it happen.  It isn't what we are supposed to do.  We are supposed to bring it to the cross, leave it there and pray for God's will to be done.  For the most part, that is what I try and do.  I struggle with what I do try and control, all the "efforts" I put into trying to have a baby.  I've got to tell you, there is a very FINE line here.  A line that completely overwhelms me.  I have guilt that I'm not giving enough over to the Lord, that because I'm not, therefore I'm not getting my baby. Even before our first IUI, I asked my husband if we were doing the right thing...deep in my heart, I felt that we were "overriding" the Lord, so to speak.  My husband understood where I was coming from, but reminded me that the Lord created these amazing Dr's, with the wisdom and knowledge to help people like us.

Four IUI's later, we are at a place where we no longer want to pursue any more invasive procedures.  First, it's obviously not working and I physically just can't tolerate it, sometimes the hormones are just too much...I am very sensitive to it.  Second, we can't emotionally go through it anymore.  The roller coaster is like no other we've ever experienced.  And lastly, financially we are spent at this time.  I know there are women out there that are upwards of up to 60-70 thousand dollars in, and still no baby.  Words aren't enough for you, I can't even wrap my mind around that.  I pretty much refuse to do IVF because I can't imagine spending thousands of dollars and ending up not pregnant.  My heart literally breaks when I read these stories, enough to scare me right out of it...plus going back to not having enough money combined with the crazy hormones.

So, on to the title of this post...we are going to try something different.  I have read numerous stories about how naturopathic doctors can really facilitate the "infertile".  I feel good about going the "natural" path.  Basically, it's homeopathic remedies such as supplemental vitamins and a cleaner/healthier diet.  I've already had a brief consultation, which is going to be followed up by a couple very long appointments.  I don't have much to write about yet, because I haven't even had my "big" appointment yet.  In my consultation he was very encouraging about what he could do for me.  Apparently, it's all about getting down to the root of the problem instead of trying to "force" things, as he put it.  Plus, I believe it's an overall benefit for getting "balanced" in ALL areas.

So, this is where we are, and I will post after my appointment next week to let ya'll know how it goes.  I pray for all of my IF friends...that you are able to make peaceful decisions without the threat of guilt or anxiety.  That in His timing, you would have your perfect little blessing....


"Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7




13 Fabulous Comments:

sbusbyjbs said...

Keeping you in our prayers :)
April

waiting and wishing said...

I'm praying great things are headed your way, my friend! I'm so happy to hear you're feeling peace about the situation!

k.mart said...

This new approach sounds wonderful. ALWAYS hoping for the best for you!!

Anonymous said...

I have had amazing success with a more natural approach. There are some great books out there that use both natural/lifestyle changes and include Eastern medicine. Two that come to mind are Making Babies- by Dr. Sammie David and The Infertility Cure. There is another one from Natural Family Planning (the Christian group) that discusses and addresses SO much!! If you want more details on the books let me know and I will make sure I get it right. Also, although I know it is expensive, you may want to also think about acupuncture. It has been HUGE when it comes to my hormonal balance- especially after rounds of drugs!!!
Wishing you only the best and am so proud that you are look down another path :)

LC said...

Good luck dear! I'm really anxious to hear how this first appt. goes. I'm glad you're finding peace with your new path.

Christy Marshall said...

hey a-hats! i left a comment right underneath your comment on katrina's blog, and i was curious to see if it was, in fact, you. your words and your journey will not leave my prayers. you are such a little fighter. praying my brains out for you guys!!

Kalen said...

Got here through another blog I read. Hoping this new approach is what works. <3

Stephanie said...

I totally hear you on not wanting to spend thousands of dollars on IVF and not have a definite outcome. I'm glad you have chosen another path that you are comfortable with and I wish you nothing but the best. Good luck and I can't wait to hear about your appt!

Stephanie said...

Good for you guys! I'm so happy you've found another path and I pray it will work for yall. I think so much has to do with being relaxed and not stressed out - remaining relaxed and non-stressed while dealing with IUIs is beyond difficult. In terms of guilt, I feel ya. My husband is much more devout than I, but I felt like we were being punished. That in some way I hadn't taken the right steps in life and wasn't pleasing God, so he was punishing me. Now, mind you, I didn't have this feeling everyday, but there were definitely dark times. My hubs never had an issue with the medical treatments because much like your husband he felt that God gave the doctors the skills and wisdom to help us. We have to help ourselves and I believe God's hand is in all of it - getting us to the doctors and to the place to be open for such procedures. Good luck to you and I can't wait to read more about this new journey!!! :)

Kat said...

Thanks for the comments! That's so funny we were on each others blog at the same time. :) I totally agree with you about the great minds. I try to get on here as much as I can, but half the time I'm too tired. LOL I'm going to email you from my hotmail later this evening to chit chat.

Markiesnana said...

I hope you won't think that you are not doing enough or turning enough over to the Lord. This is a mystery, certainly why some people have children and some don't. There are plenty of ungodly people not turning anything over, or even acknowledging the Lord and they have babies, too. I think a new approach is a good thing for you; but how can we ever know why or when these new people come to the earth? Even people who never thought they'd have a baby are suddenly surprised. It surely is in God's hands and it's His plan. However, thankfully, He does send us doctors and others who can solve problems for us. Wishing you the best in your desire to have a family.
Jan from Imperfect blog, way back when

Markiesnana said...

Hi Amy --
Yes, those are pics of where I live in MA.
We Went to my daughter's house to avoid the many trees in my yard, and parked our vehicles in front of her house.
We were there a few hours and they lost their power. I guess that means two refrigerators of stuff to be thrown out. I made the kids peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after we lost the power.
Then in the late afternoon we went back home to find that our trees were fine and we did have power at our house!
All in all, we were fortunate throughout Irene's blast.
Thanks for visiting my blog!

Serenity said...

It sounds like you are moving on down a positive path Amy. I am always thinking about you!